BackgroundNumerous approaches have been examined to reduce unnecessary cesarean sections. Recently, concerns regarding both the psychosocial and behavioral factors that affect birth decisions have been raised. Adolescents perceive conception, pregnancy, and birth as important aspects of sexual health education; however, they exhibit poor knowledge regarding the aforementioned concepts. AimTo identify data that examine attitudes toward birth choices among adolescents and young adults. To indicate the necessity of educational interventions, among young populations, in order to provide positive attitudes towards birth choices. Materials and methodsWe reviewed PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for research - and respective reference lists - published between 1997 and 2020. ResultsWe found a total of 13 papers, all in English, that examined attitudes and beliefs toward birth options in young populations. ConclusionRegardless of a recorded rise in the rates of cesarean sections, young students who are introduced into a medicalized birth culture report vaginal birth preference in a healthy future pregnancy. Future research must examine all circumstances and factors that influence the discrepant correlation of the aforementioned vaginal birth preference and the high rates of cesarean sections.The theory of multicyclic development of follicles during the menstrual cycle prompted new approaches to ovarian stimulation such as double stimulation within the same menstrual cycle, in both follicular and luteal phases. New stimulation approaches, together with cryopreservation techniques, provide higher chances for patients with poor ovarian response who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) to get pregnant. The double ovarian stimulation protocol has been proposed to optimize the number of oocytes retrieved within the shortest possible timeframe. Moreover, the short overall duration of this strategy is also useful in cases of a fertility preservation that requires rapid intervention before administering a gonadotoxic therapy, such as in oncologic therapy. In general, the aim of DUOSTIM is to obtain the highest number of oocytes in the shortest time, thus avoiding waste of time, which is crucial for these patients. Several protocols have been proposed with similar results, regardless of the protocol used.Objectives Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) represents a major orthopedic procedure with significant blood loss and transfusion rates up to 43%. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a synthetic amino acid derivative, functioning by inhibiting the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, has been proven to reduce blood loss in total knee or hip arthroplasty. However, very few studies exist regarding shoulder arthroplasty. The aim of the present review is to evaluate its effectiveness in shoulder arthroplasty. Materials and methods A meticulous electronic search was performed to find articles reporting the results of TXA administration in TSA or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Patients' demographics, dose and timing of TXA administration, the type of control group, mean hemoglobin reduction, transfusion rate and total blood loss were evaluated. A total of eight studies including 981 patients were identified. Five hundred and thirty patients (group 1) received TXA, while the remaining 451 comprised the control group (group 2). ResultsThe mean postoperative reduction in hemoglobin in group 1 was found to be 2.14 g/dL (SD=0.62), compared to 2.71 g/dL (SD=0.57) of group 2; p-value less then 0.0001. Transfusion rate in group 1 was found to be 1.9%, compared to 4.9% in group 2; p-value=0.009. Total blood loss was found to be 714.6 mL (SD=410.4) in group 1, compared to 911.8 mL (SD=529.7) in group 2; p-value less then 0.0001. ConclusionThe present review has shown that TXA administration in shoulder arthroplasty has effectively reduced blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin decline and need for transfusion. More research is needed, since optimization of route, timing and dosage of TXA remain to be determined.BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia, affecting up to 4% of the general population. Susceptibility to AF episodes can be explained by various risk factors (RF) that alter the substrate of the left atrium. Association between several RF and AF development and recurrence has been demonstrated in several studies. Areas of uncertainty Treatment strategies depend on patients' characteristics and comorbidities. Medical literature and consensus documents recommend an integrated approach, but also identify evidence gaps in treating patients with severe comorbidities. Data sources Literature search was performed using PubMed electronic database. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/Pomalidomide(CC-4047).html We used the following terms as key words atrial fibrillation, risk factors, comorbidities, primary prevention, secondary prevention. Results Active intervention helps control the burden of AF and increase the chances of a positive outcome on the long term. Aggressive control and individualized treatment of most prevalent modifiable risk factors can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation. Optimization of treatment strategy should be performed periodically, since RF and comorbidities are dynamic and often evolve. ConclusionPersonalized strategies should be applied to each patient after careful assessment of individual risk. A personalized approach is indicated to both reduce the burden of AF and improve symptoms, quality of life and survival. Close attention to details is required to avoid disease and therapy related complications in the presence of comorbidities.BackgroundAsthma is the most common respiratory disorder affecting women during pregnancy. Although it is a reversible disease, it may adversely affect maternal quality of life and perinatal outcomes, especially in severe and inappropriately managed cases. Conversely, pregnancy influences the course of asthma through the physiological respiratory, hormonal, and immune system changes. Exacerbations are a key feature of asthma, representing a significant problem if severe, requiring aggressive medical intervention, hospital and even ICU admission. Purpose The purpose of this article is to summarize the current knowledge and to provide a comprehensive overview of asthma in pregnancy. We also want rising awareness among patients and clinicians on the importance of proper asthma management during pregnancy. Data sources A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Medline, and Taylor&amp; Francis was performed. We have searched for review articles as well as prospective and retrospective studies published in English, investigating the bilateral relationship between asthma and pregnancy, using the key words mentioned bellow.